The Hidden Expenses of DIY Moving: Why Hiring a Professional Driver Can Be Cost-Saving in the Long Term
On the surface, a Do It Yourself (DIY) move is the cheapest way to go: rent a truck, pack your stuff, and hit the road. But ask any person who’s ever attempted it, and they’ll tell you it’s never really that simple. Hiring a professional driver can be cost-saving while giving you peace of mind.
Between fuel, hotels, time off work, and unexpected setbacks, the cost of “doing it yourself” can pile up quickly.
Rented Truck Driver has relocated thousands of people across the country, and we’ve seen it all. The truth is, hiring a professional driver isn’t just a question of convenience; it can save you money in the long run.
Here’s how.
1. You Don’t Lose Income From Time Off
It may take six to seven days to drive a moving truck across the country, and is based on factors such as the distance, truck speed, weather and route. That’s the time you may have to take off from work, and for many, without pay. Moreover, the time you drive under both the stress of driving a huge, unfamiliar vehicle, while dealing with your job’s issues, may be completely overwhelming.
Not having to drive that big rig for 10-12 hours a day is priceless. You can fly and get back to work earlier, or start settling into your new home while your belongings are en route.
Salary Savings Example:
3 days off work at $250/day = $750 lost income
Hiring a professional driver = Your income stays intact.
2. You Avoid Fuel Guesswork and Overuse
Rental trucks are not fuel-efficient. If you’re not used to driving one, it’s easy to burn more gas than you need to, especially if you’re stuck in traffic, driving back and forth due to wrong turns, or pushing the engine too hard.
Our experienced drivers:
- Take the most fuel-efficient routes
- Know how to operate big rigs efficiently
- Avoid newbie mistakes that waste fuel
Outcome: Save money on fuel and stress less at the pump.
Little-known fact: 30 percent of rental truck accidents happen at fuel stations
3. No Need for Hotel Stays or Meals on the Road
Long drives mean at least one to five nights in hotels, as well as road trip meals that add up quickly. And let’s be honest, fast food three meals a day isn’t just expensive, it’s unhealthy.
Professional Tip: Cracker Barrel Restaurants have parking in the back of the restaurant, with large parking spaces to accommodate rental trucks, RVs, and other large vehicles.
When you hire a professional driver, you skip the road trip entirely. No restaurant bills, no hotel bills, no unexpected delays.
4. You Reduce the Risk of Costly Mistakes
Driving a 20 or 26-foot truck is not like driving your car. Add an 18’ auto transport, and you are now almost as long as a semi truck.
A 26-foot box truck has an overall length of 34 feet. Auto transport car haulers are approximately 18 feet. Therefore, the total length is about 52 Feet long.
The rental company’s lobby is allowed to register its largest 26-foot trucks with a commercial driver’s license CDL is NOT required. If you, or any other person or company, registered the same truck, it would be classified a CDL-required truck.
One of the reasons is that the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 26,001 pounds, which requires a CDL. The rental companies are allowed to list the same truck at under 26,000 GVWR.
Air Brakes Are A Completely Different Animal
These rental trucks also have air brakes. When a driver takes the commercial driver’s test, there a an extensive section on air brakes alone. Most renters do not even know that the truck has air brakes, or know how to properly inspect and operate them.
Most DIYers do not realize how easy it is to:
Miscalculate a turn and hit something. Making a turn in a large rental truck requires much more room to complete a turn.
Striking a low bridge, fuel station, or hotel canopy. If you are lucky enough to avoid these hazards, oftentimes you are left in a position to have to back the truck up to the nearest intersection to turn around.
Add a car trailer into the mix, and you may find yourself in a dangerous situation. If you think that taking the roof off of a truck is rare, the website, https://11foot8.com/, is dedicated to providing videos of trucks that hit the infamous “Can Opener” overpass.
Note: Even with the most comprehensive insurance that the rental company offers, you may be responsible for roof and wheel damage.
Interesting fact: The Right side of rental trucks is damaged eleven times more often than the left side.
Our drivers are licensed, insured, and experienced in driving all types of rental trucks. That translates to less risk of damage, less in costs, and zero stress when it comes to insurance claims.
5. You Save Time—Which Is Priceless
The single biggest invisible cost of moving is your time. When you’re stuck on the road for hours, familiarizing yourself with your home, getting to know your neighborhood, registering your children for school, meeting with your utility company, or getting a jump start on your new job.
Our company saves you that time.
Final Consideration: Sometimes the Lowest Price Isn’t the Best One
Renting a driver might sound like a luxury, but once you calculate the hidden costs of driving yourself, it typically works out to be the smarter and more affordable choice.
Rented Truck Driver makes your DIY simple, safe, and hassle-free. You rent the truck, we drive. That’s all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CDL to drive a 26-foot rental truck?
In most cases, rental companies register their 26-foot trucks just under the 26,001-pound GVWR threshold, so a CDL is not legally required.
However, these trucks are still large, often equipped with air brakes, and can be challenging to drive without experience.
What are the hidden costs of DIY moving?
Hidden costs include lost wages from time off work, higher fuel expenses from inefficient driving, hotel and meal costs on the road, and the risk of expensive vehicle or property damage.
Can hiring a professional driver save me money?
Yes. Professional drivers can reduce fuel costs through efficient driving, eliminate hotel and meal expenses, prevent costly mistakes, and save you from losing income by allowing you to return to work sooner.
How long does it take to drive a moving truck across the country?
A cross-country rental truck drive can take six to seven days depending on distance, route, and speed.
Doing it yourself typically requires multiple days off work plus additional travel expenses.
What risks come with driving a rental truck yourself?
Risks include misjudging turns, striking low bridges or fuel station canopies.
Damaging the truck or trailer, and not knowing how to operate air brakes properly.
Even with insurance, you may still be responsible for certain damages like roof or wheel damage.
Can I tow my car behind a rental truck?
Most rental companies offer car carriers or tow dollies for an additional fee, but towing adds complexity and risk.
You’ll need to ensure the truck is rated for the extra weight and know how to maneuver safely.
Do professional drivers provide exact pickup and delivery times?
Yes. Unlike many moving companies that give wide arrival windows.
Professional rental truck drivers can commit to specific pickup and delivery times, offering more certainty and reliability.
What should I know about rental company policies?
Rental companies may have mileage limits, fuel refill requirements, and specific return conditions.
Failing to meet these can result in extra fees.
Always read the fine print before signing your rental agreement.
Recent Comments